Typhus reported in Burbank, Downey

Los Angeles County Vector Control and the county Department of Animal Care and Control have reported cases of flea-borne typhus in Burbank and Downey, respectively.

“To pet owners, I urge you to keep your pets inside, and make sure they are current on flea treatment,” Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Los Angeles (SPCALA) President Madeline Bernstein said in a news release. “Be sure to treat your house and yard for fleas, to eliminate the risk brought in by area wildlife.”

To reduce the chance of being exposed to typhus, a flu-like illness, SPCALA advises pet owners to update their pets on flea prevention and vaccines, keep pets inside when possible, spay and neuter them and take them to the vet regularly.